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Insider Highlights and Luxury River Journey

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Insider Highlights and Luxury River Journey

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Discover the cultural treasures of Myanmar in style at an unhurried pace. Your holiday incorporates fantastic hotels combined with a river journey on one of the country’s most luxurious vessels. Your holiday will include Experience Travel Group signature tours of Yangon and Lake Inle, 7 (or 4) nights aboard the superb Sanctuary Ananda exploring Bagan, Mandalay and many rural villages in between. You’ll also head to Ngapali for a relaxing beach stay in paradise.

  Highlights include:

  • Discovering the incredible historical heritage of Myanmar – the fabulous temples and architectural feats
  • A fantastic cruise experience along the Irrawaddy River aboard the Sanctuary Ananda
  • A range of unique and beautiful experiences, get immersed in local village life, enjoy lantern-lit riverbank dinners and explore the otherworldly temple complex of Bagan
  • Four days relaxing in idyllic surrounds at Ngapali Beach

As with all of our suggested itineraries, we can tailor-make your holiday to suit your budget, style and expectations. Find out about our exclusive ‘Journey Planner’ here.

DAY 1   DEPART THE UK

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Mandalay.

DAY 2   MANDALAY    Immersive culture and local life

Upon arrival in Mandalay, your private guide will meet you for the transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax, enjoy the hotel facilities and settle into Myanmar.

Day 3   BOARD THE SANCTUARY ANANDA

Today you’ll board the Sanctuary Ananda boat in Mandalay to begin your once-in-a-lifetime river cruise. After settling into your deluxe suite (one of just 21 rooms onboard) the ship will set sail, and you’ll enjoy an excellent lunch while passing pagoda-speckled hills. In the afternoon visit an important centre for Buddhism and take in the breath-taking views from the top of the Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda terrace. At dusk, you’ll visit the former capital Amarapura, before arriving at the famous U Bein Bridge a top spot for a glass of champagne at sunset.

Day 4-6  Sanctuary Ananda  Sailing from Mandalay to Bagan

Spend three days cruising down the Irrawaddy River. There will be many stops to explore the incredible river-side sights, the glittering pagodas, the ancient capitals and the fascinating local villages. The village of Sin Kyun is sponsored by a philanthropic organisation ran by the Sanctuary Ananda parent company, and there you can learn a little about the rural way of life in a location that is rarely visited by other tourists.  

By the third day of the cruise, you’ll arrive at Bagan where you’ll have time to explore the archaeological site and perhaps even take an early morning balloon ride over the iconic temples. You’ll also have the chance to visit spectacular Mount Popa where you may choose to climb the 777 steps to the summit.

As you sail, you could choose to participate in on-board activities like a Burmese cooking class, sunrise yoga or lectures on the traditions of Myanmar. Alternatively, you could enjoy a massage or take in the utterly glorious scenery from the ship's deck.

In the evenings the ship will often anchor in time for a sunset cocktail followed by dinner. There will be exceptional dinners on land too, such as one on a sandbank against the backdrop of the sparkling temples of Bagan.  

DAY 7 fly to lake inle (or stay on SANCTUARY ANANDA for three more days)

If you have opted for the five-day cruise from Mandalay to Bagan, you will disembark today and transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Heho – the gateway for Lake Inle.

Alternatively, you can stay aboard for a further three nights and experience the full cruise loop back to Mandalay. The extra three days will see an additional day exploring the Bagan temples and other local villages and gives you more time to absorb the magic of the Irrawaddy River in an unhurried way, enjoying the backdrop and the first-class hospitality as you travel. Call our Mynamar experts if you’d like to learn more about the longer cruise itinerary.

If you do take the more extended cruise, the rest of the itinerary will continue as follows and the holiday will extend to 18 days.

Day 7 & 8  Lake Inle  floating gardens and fishermen

After landing at Heho, your private guide will meet you, and you’ll transfer to Inle Lake via paddy fields and winding streams, stopping to explore caves en route if you wish. When you reach the lake, you will board a private boat for the journey to your hotel. Towards the end of the day, you have the option of a fascinating sunset canoe trip on the lake.

You’ll spend a full day exploring Inle Lake including a private boat tour of the floating gardens and farms that move around on the water surface. You’ll see the local fisherman rowing in their one-leg style and perhaps taste some local wine. If you didn’t get a chance to do so at Bagan, Inle is another location where you may like to treat yourself to a Hot Air Balloon Ride for aerial views of the lake.

Days 9 -12  Ngapali Beach  relax overlooking The Indian Ocean

You’ll depart Heho for the direct flight to Thandwe – the gateway for Ngapali Beach. Here your guide will meet you for the transfer to your tranquil beachfront retreat.

Spend a further three days here enjoy the peaceful beach setting, the lovely resort and the luxury spa facilities.

Day 13&14 Yangon   Explore the city on our Signature Tour

A quick flight takes you back to Yangon, the final stop on your Myanmar adventure.

Here, with your guide you’ll have time to enjoy the colonial architecture, take a rickshaw ride to a local market and visit the famous Shwedagon Pagoda, whose recognisable golden stupa dominates the city's skyline.

A morning trip on the circle train is an excellent opportunity to observe a little of day-to-day city life before your final evening in “Burma”.

Day 15 Fly Home (*This will be Day 18 if you choose the long cruise option)

Today you depart Myanmar for your flight back to the UK.

As every holiday is unique to you, prices vary. To give you an indication, our holidays typically cost between £4,000 and £6,000 per adult depending on trip length and time of year as well as the hotels and flights involved. We offer child and seasonal discounts. You can read our ultimate guide to holiday costs in Asia for more in-depth information.

To start your journey, talk to one of our friendly consultants today.

Since every traveler is unique - Call our experts on 1-888-577-8452 to create your personalised vacation itinerary.

Inclusions

Your bespoke proposal with Experience Travel Group will include:

  • International Flights (we can omit if you prefer)
  • Accommodation as described
  • Privately guided tours and transfers
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Original Experience Travel Group "signature" experiences 
  • Full financial protection (ABTA and ATOL bonding.) 
  • 24-hour in-country backup while away
  • Your dedicated travel expert in the UK 

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the hotels and villas within this holiday as standard...

Belmond Governor's Residence

Belmond Governor's Residence, Yangon

A stylish deluxe hotel with beautiful gardens, tastefully decorated rooms and a nice pool set in a 1920s Burmese mansion.

Mandalay Hill Resort

Mandalay Hill Resort , Mandalay

Grand five star resort hotel at the foot of Mandalay Hill with commanding views and excellent facilities.

Ngapali Bay Villas

Ngapali Bay Villas, Ngapali Beach

Ngapali Bay Villas is the most luxurious hotel on one of the best beaches in the area.

Sanctum Inle Resort

Sanctum Inle Resort, Lake Inle

A monastic and elegant resort in the Lake Inle region, it offers a comfortable base from which to explore.

River Cruises Included

Sanctuary Ananda

Sanctuary Ananda, The Irrawaddy River

Luxurious sailing option, a great way to experience the Irrawaddy between Bagan and Mandalay in fine style.

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the experiences & activities within this holiday as standard...

Bagan

Bagan, Bagan

The world famous Bagan temples are one of the 'must see' sites of Myanmar (Burma).

Balloon Ride over Bagan

Balloon Ride over Bagan, Bagan

A fantastic once-in-a-lifetime experience. Take in the spectacular views over wonderful Bagan for a unique vantage point.

Beach Experience

Beach Experience, Ngapali Beach

Miles of uninhabited coastline means that Myanmar has beaches to die for.

Discover The Mingun Ruins

Discover The Mingun Ruins, Mandalay

A guided tour of the Mingun Ruins including the immense Mingun Bell.

Explore ancient Ava (Inwa)

Explore ancient Ava (Inwa), Mandalay

Fascinating ancient capital on the Irrawaddy River.

Local Villages and Vineyard by Bike

Local Villages and Vineyard by Bike , Lake Inle

Veer off-the-beaten-track near Lake Inle for a private boat journey, market visit and vineyard experience (walking or cycling).

Mandalay

Mandalay, Mandalay

Myanmar's second city and bustling cultural and religious hub.

Rotating Market and Indein

Rotating Market and Indein , Lake Inle

Visit Lake Inle's unique rotating market, known as such because the venue changes on a daily basis.

The Pagodas of Sagaing

The Pagodas of Sagaing, Mandalay

Spend a day exploring a hand-picked selection of the pagoda's and markets surrounding Sagaing.

The Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon

The Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon, Yangon

Myanmar's most important Buddhist pagoda, located in central Yangon.

The Shwezigon Pagoda

The Shwezigon Pagoda, Bagan

Deeply significant sacred building in Bagan.

The Yangon Circle Train

The Yangon Circle Train, Yangon

Departing from Yangon central, this commuter train is a great way to see another side of Myanmar.

U Bein Bridge at Sunrise or Sunset

U Bein Bridge at Sunrise or Sunset , Mandalay

Famous footbridge that is particularly vibrant at sunrise and sunset.

Map showing Hotels & Experiences associated with 'Insider Highlights and Luxury River Journey '

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Every ETG journey is unique. Tell us your loves, your hates, your holiday ambitions, your hopes and fears, and we’ll share a suitcase so full of inspired holiday ideas you’ll need to sit on it to shut it tight.

Not sure what you’re looking for? Let us inspire you...

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~
Your next adventure
starts with a conversation
~

Every ETG journey is unique. Tell us your loves, your hates, your holiday ambitions, your hopes and fears, and we’ll share a suitcase so full of inspired holiday ideas you’ll need to sit on it to shut it tight.

Not sure what you’re looking for? Let us inspire you...

Get in Touch

Call us 020 7924 7133

ETG - immersive holidays that give back, since 2004.
Don’t just see Asia - feel Asia.

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  • Destinations
    • South Asia
      • Sri Lanka
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    • South East Asia
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
      • Cambodia
      • Laos
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  • Holidays in Myanmar
    • Classic Holidays
    • Myanmar with a River Journey
    • Multi-Country Holidays
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  • Guide to Myanmar
    • Myanmar Guide
    • Weather & When to go
    • Hotel inspiration
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    • Mount Popa
    • Hsipaw
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    • Mergui Archipelago
    • Golden Rock (Kyaiktiyo)
    • Mount Victoria
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